14 replies to this topic

[Austin mini 30]

Just a quick question.

Can't select any gears at all, clutch feels softer than normal. I take it needs to be bled right?

 

Cheers

[Cooperman]

Unless it's been worked on in some way it should not need bleeding, as that implies air has got into the sealed hydraulic system.

The most likely fault is a defective master cylinder or, most likely, slave cylinder.

Best option is to fit a new slave cylinder, bleed the system, and see if it is cured. If not it is most likely the master cylinder.

Other things which would cause failure to disengage could be worn clevis pin at top of clutch arm, damaged flexible hose 'ballooning', worn master cylinder to clutch arm clevis pin (the one which is so difficult to get to and change!).

The money is on the slave cylinder and that's an easy and cheap job to fix.

[Austin mini 30]

awesome, cheers for that. this is the second time it has happened in a space of 3 months as well.

[Cooperman]

Did you use a re-con kit or fit a new slave cylinder?
Always fit a new cylinder.

[Austin mini 30]

I just bled it the first time and it was fine, I bled it this time and its made no difference

[Gremlin]

Verto or pre verto?

[Austin mini 30]

You tell me haha its a 1989 Austin mini 30 limited edition if that helps

[Gremlin]

Is the slave cylinder mounted on top of the transfer housing or is it on a plate bolted to the housing transfer housing and wok at an angle

[cal844]

Should be verto, is it a short or long arm??

[Gremlin]

Should be verto, is it a short or long arm??

How can you say if it's short or long when you've only seen one :)

[dklawson]

The image below from Mini Mania should help clear up which type you have...

 

Verto on the left.....................................................Pre-Verto on the right.

[Austin mini 30]

verto definetly

[Cooperman]

Just change the slave cylinder for a brand new one, bleed the system and that will probably cure it. If not you'll need to look at the master cylinder and mechanical linkages.

[Austin mini 30]

Thanks cooperman that's great, ill get that ordered soon and ill have a look at the mechanical linkages tomorrow

[Cooperman]

It's worth changing the clevis pin which connects the slave cylinder operating push rod to the end of the clutch arm. It is a very low cost item.